Top 12 Cancer-Fighting Foods
Cancer is recognized
worldwide to be a major health problem affecting millions of people each year.
More than 1 million people in the United States alone get cancer each year,
and as of 2009, a total of 562,340 deaths from cancer were projected to occur
in the United States yearly.
The main reason for
such a high mortality rate from cancer is due to abnormal behaviors of certain
cells, which usually results in cancer cell progression, tumor growth and
metastasis.
Are You Eating Enough Cancer-Fighting Foods Every Day?
Many cancer survivors
have been fortunate enough to use a combination of natural cancer treatments themselves at home, in conjunction with conventional
medical treatments, in order to overcome their disease. This duel approach can
help support the entire body and mind in the healing process that can sometimes
be long and very difficult. Today, the early combination of chemotherapy
and nutrition therapy is able to save the lives of thousands of cancer
patients.
Inflammation is the
underlying issue that dictates cancerous tumor initiation, progression and
growth. Studies suggest that 30 percent to 40 percent of all kinds of cancer can be prevented with
a healthy lifestyle and dietary measures! And other sources claim that this
number is in fact much higher, with around 75 percent of cancer cases being
lifestyle-related.
Practicing strategies
that are fully within your own control — including things like eating a healing diet, vegetable juicing, consuming probiotic foods, taking immune-boosting
supplements, busting stress and practicing healing prayer —
can make you feel more empowered and hopeful when battling a disease, which
goes a very long way in the healing process.
Foods and Habits that Increase Your Cancer Risk
Just like with heart
disease, diabetes, leaky gut syndrome and other autoimmune disorders, free
radical damage or oxidative stress from inflammation is truly at the root of
cancer formation.
While we often think of the word “cancer” as one type of disease, this term
actually encompasses over 100 different cellular disorders in the body. Cancer
refers to uncontrolled cell division that leads to a tumor or abnormal cell
growth. When abnormal cells divide without control, they can invade nearby
tissues and spread to other parts of the body, including the blood and
lymphatic systems.
The root causes of
cancer are complex and multifactorial, with possible causes including: poor
diet, exposure to environmental toxins, genetics, viruses or infections, high
stress levels, poor digestion and nutrient absorption, and lack of physical
activity. While most people choose to turn to conventional cancer treatments
like chemotherapy, radiation or other drugs, there’s also mounting evidence
that cancer risk can be dramatically reduced by following a healthy diet filled
with anti-inflammatory foods and controlling other factors that kick
off heightened oxidative stress, also called an “immune cascade.”
Foods
that increase inflammation and cancer risk include:
·
Sugar
·
Refined oils
·
Conventional dairy
products
·
Farm-raised meats
What does work when it
comes to lowering inflammation and fighting free
radical damage? The key is consuming plenty of cancer-fighting
foods with antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. This
means avoiding packaged and processed foods that contain dangerous phthalates and
focusing on only those that do not contain antibiotics, chemicals or toxins.
Buying foods that are organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised and additive-free can
greatly lower the toxic load of your diet.
Findings from
the 2010 European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition
(EPIC) that looked at dietary factors associated with higher cancer risks
showed that there’s significant associations
between cancer risk and low intakes of certain nutrients. Data from
the investigation that was published in the European Journal of Cancer showed
an inverse association between higher intakes of vitamin C, carotenoids, retinol,
α-tocopherol and fiber with overall cancer risk.
After following over
519,978 participants living in 10 European nations, results showed that those
who most closely followed a style of eating similar to the Mediterranean dietwere
the most protected. High intake of cancer-fighting foods like vegetables,
fruit, fish, calcium-rich foods and fiber was associated with a
decreased risk of colorectal, lung and breast cancers, while red and processed
meat intake, alcohol intake, unhealthy body mass index (BMI), and abdominal
obesity were associated with an increased risk. Being physically active
and obtaining enough vitamin D also helped lower cancer susceptibility.
What does this mean in
terms of choosing the very best cancer-fighting foods that you can? Lots of
fruit and vegetables can help lower the risk of cancer and offer protective
elements so these should be the bases of your diet. On top of that, obtaining
enough healthy proteins and fatty acids keeps your immune system working
properly and prevents muscle wasting, deficiencies, or hormonal and nerve
problems.
Top 12 Cancer-Fighting Foods
1. Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy greens are the
cornerstone of any healthy diet since they’re exceptionally rich in vitamins,
minerals, antioxidants and enzymes, yet very low in calories, fats, sodium and
other toxins. Leafy greens of all kinds — nutritious spinach, kale, collard greens,
romaine, arugula salad,
watercress, etc. — are rich in antioxidants known to combat cancer,
including vitamin C and beta-carotene (a type of vitamin A).
And the benefits keep
coming; as natural sources of glucosinolates, they also contain antibacterial
and antiviral properties, inactivate carcinogens, help reprogram cancer cells
to die off, and prevent tumor formation and metastasis. These powerhouse
chemicals are known to break down during the chewing and digestion process into
biologically active compounds that prevent cancer cells growth, which are
referred to as indoles, thiocyanates and isothiocyanates.
Isothiocyanates (ITCs)
found in leafy greens, which are made from glucosinolates, have been reported
to help detox your body at the cellular level. Add a handful of leafy
greens to your lunch and dinner to increase your nutrient intake; to make
obtaining them simpler, try juicing vegetables for
near perfect health. Vegetable juices are very easy to digest
and make yourself at home. The Gerson diet meal plan even advises cancer
patients to drink 13 glasses of freshly prepared juice daily!
2. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables
are known to be powerful cancer killers and some of the
best vitamin C foods widely available. Many are rich in glutathione, known as the body’s “master antioxidant” since it has high
free-radical-scavenging abilities. Nearly all members of the brassica
family of cruciferous vegetables are nutrient-dense sources of a family of
phytochemicals called isothiocyanates that are linked to cancer prevention. In
addition to isothiocyanates, cruciferous veggies like cabbage and broccoli also contain sulforaphanes and indoles — two types of
strong antioxidants and stimulators of detoxifying enzymes that protect the
structure of DNA.
Add one or two kinds —
including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage or Brussels sprouts —
to three mostly plant-based meals daily in the form of roasted veggies, soups
or stir fries, or dip them into hummus or Greek yogurt for a healthy, fast snack.
Additionally, many other vegetables are beneficial for lowering cancer risk,
including onions, zucchini, asparagus, artichokes,
peppers, carrots and beets.
3. Berries
The ORAC scores of
nearly all berries are very high, making them some of the top high-antioxidant
foods in the world. Blueberries, raspberries, cherries, strawberries, goji berries, camu camu and blackberries are easy to find and
use in numerous types of recipes — which is good news considering they supply
vitamin C, vitamin A and gallic acid, a powerful antifungal/antiviral
agent that increases immunity.
Berries are especially
rich in proanthocyanidin antioxidants, which have been observed to have
anti-aging properties in several animal studies and are capable of lowering
free radical damage. High amounts of phenols, zeaxanthin, lycopene,
cryptoxanthin, lutein and polysaccharides are other berry benefits.
Less familiar “superfoods” mulberry, camu camu and goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine since
around 200 B.C. to increase immunity and energy, so look for those in powder or
dried form in health food stores and online.
4. Brightly Orange-Colored Fruits and Veggies (Citrus Fruits,
Squash, Sweet Potatoes, etc.)
Brightly colored
pigments found in plant foods are a sure sign that they’re beaming with
phytochemicals, especially carotenoid antioxidants. This is exactly the reason
you want to “eat the rainbow” and vary the colors of the foods on your plate.
Carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein,
cryptoxanthin) are derivatives of vitamin A found in many citrus
fruits, sweet potatoes, berries, pumpkin, squashes and other plant foods. One of the
most researched is beta-carotene, an essential nutrient for immune functioning;
detoxification; liver health; and fighting cancers of the skin, eyes and
organs.
Two nutrients that
give these foods their signature dark hues include lutein and zeaxanthin, which
have been shown to help prevent eye and skin-related disorders since
they act as antioxidants that filter harmful high-energy blue wavelengths,
protecting healthy cells in the process.
When it comes to
carbohydrate-rich veggies, studies show that complex carbs, including sweet
potatoes, carrots, beets, other tubers and whole-grain foods, is related
to a reduced risk of several types of cancer, particularly of the upper
digestive tract. This is likely due to a favorable role of fiber, but the issue
is still open to discussion. In contrast, refined grain intake and high glycemic load foods are associated with increased risk of
different types of cancer, including breast and colorectal.
5. Fresh Herbs and Spices
Turmeric,
which contains the active ingredient curcumin, has been shown to decrease tumor
size and fight colon and breast cancer. Along with easy-to-use black pepper,
turmeric absorption is enhanced and better able to fight inflammation. Aim for
one teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper or more daily,
which can easily be used in a tonic drink, with eggs or in a veggie stir
fry. You can also take curcumin supplements; aim for 1,000 milligrams
daily.
Additionally, other
herbs that act as immune system boosters include ginger, raw garlic, thyme, cayenne pepper, oregano, basil and
parsley — which can easily be used in many recipes, juices, dressings and
smoothies.
6. Organic Meats
Organic meats
including beef or chicken liver are recommended on many cancer-fighting diets since
they’re considered some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet and
extremely high in vitamin B12. Consuming organic meats as part of a “nose to
tail” approach to eating animal proteins provides minerals that help cleanse the liverand enhance the ability to remove toxins from
the blood and digestive tract.
Detoxifying with rich
sources of selenium,
zinc and B vitamins helps purify blood; produce the bile needed to digest
fats; balance hormones naturally; and store essential vitamins,
minerals and iron. These mineral-rich foods can help counteract the effects of
alcohol, prescription drugs, hormone disruptions, high triglyceride levels, low potassium,
obesity and viral infections.
7. Cultured Dairy Products
Cultured dairy
products are a rich source of “good bacteria” probiotics, which are microorganisms
that promote a natural bacterial balance in your intestinal microflora and help
increase immunity. Over 80 percent of your immune system is housed in your gut,
so it’s no surprise that probiotic foods and supplementation can stop tumor
growth and help cells renew.
One of the easiest
ways to consume more probiotics is in their most natural state, which
includes raw milk products such
as cheese, kefir and
yogurt. Raw and cultured are key here, since fermentation produces probiotics
but high heat processing used to pasteurize dairy can damage many of the vital
nutrients, including the enzymes, proteins and probiotics. Most dairy today is
loaded with hormones, antibiotics, pain killers and pesticide residue so buying
organic is also important.
Aim for six
ounces of cultured dairy daily (probiotic yogurt, cottage cheese, goat milkkefir or
amasai). Cottage cheese, which is rich in sulfur protein and saturated fats,
was found to be especially beneficial as part of the Budwig diet for cancer protocol. You can also increase your probiotic food intake without dairy
by consuming cultured vegetables like kimchi, sauerkraut, coconut kefir, kombucha or natto.
8. Nuts and Seeds
Chia seeds and flaxseeds are two of the most nutrient-dense seeds
in the world. They provide fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and a range of important
minerals. Hemp seeds,
sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are
also beneficial and full of healthy fatty acids, as are walnuts,
brazil nuts and almonds. Their health benefits and are best sprouted and can
be used easily in smoothies, baked goods and with yogurt. Aim for two
tablespoons daily.
9. Healthy Unrefined Oils (Coconut, Flax, Cod Liver and Extra
Virgin Olive Oil)
Did you know that your
brain and nervous system control the function of your entire body and that
about 60 percent of your nervous system is made up of fatty acids? The problem
is that many of the conventional processed fats and oils widely consumed today
are hydrogenated oils that are capable of destroying the membranes of our
cells, leading to diseased cells and toxicity.
Refined and rancid
fats create problems throughout your entire body, leading to lower immune
function, cell congestion and inflammation that kicks off disease. Replace
refined vegetable oils, hydrogenated oils and trans fats with quality oils,
including flax oil, extra virgin olive oil, cod oil and coconut oil. These nourish your gut and promote better immune function,
help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, plus flaxseed and cod liver oil
contain essential omega-3 fatty acids that can help energize your
cells.
10. Mushrooms
Nutritious mushrooms vary
in terms of their benefits, taste and appearance since hundreds
of mushroom species are in existence today, but all are known to be
immune-enhancers and many have been used to fight cancer for centuries. Reishi,
cordyceps and maitake in particular can improve immune function and cell
regeneration. Look for them in capsule or tincture form, and cook with them
whole whenever possible too.
11. Traditional Teas
Metastasis is the most
deadly aspect of cancer and results from several connected processes including
cell proliferation, angiogenesis, cell adhesion, migration and invasion into
the surrounding tissue. Metastasis is the principal cause of death among cancer
patients, so it’s one of the most important issues in cancer research today. Several
clinical and epidemiological studies have reported that the consumption of
green tea can help decrease cancer risk. Green tea contains major polyphenolic
compounds, including epigallocatechin-3-gallate,
which has been shown to inhibit tumor invasion and angiogenesis, which are
essential for tumor growth and metastasis.
Teas derived from the
leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis are
commonly consumed as beverages around the world, including green, black or
oolong tea. While all traditional teas seem to be beneficial, the most
significant effects on human health have been attributed to green tea, such as matcha green tea. It contains the highest percetange of
polyphenolic compounds, catechin, gallocatechin and EGCG.
The antioxidant EGCG
appears to be the most potent of all the catechins, and its anticancer effects
have activity about 25–100 times more effective than that of vitamins C and E!
EGCG has been reported to be linked to the modulation of multiple signaling pathways,
finally resulting in the downregulation of expression of proteins involved in
the invasiveness of cancer cells.
12. Wild-Caught Fish
According to a 2004
study conducted by researchers at the Richerche Institute of Pharmacology, higher fish consumption is another favorable diet indicator of
better immune function. The study, which investigated the
cancer-fighting effects of the Mediterranean diet, found that people who
reported eating less fish and more frequent red meat showed several common
neoplasms in their blood that suggested higher susceptibility.
Wild and especially
small fish, including salmon, mackerel and sardines are
anti-inflammatory omega-3 foods that are correlated with better brain,
hormonal and nervous system health. Omega-3 fatty acids exert anti-inflammatory effects,
and therefore recent studies have connected them to cancer prevention and
natural enhancement of antitumour therapies. Evidence suggests a role for
omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in cancer prevention and reducing symptoms
of treatments like chemotherapy. Omega-3s have been shown to preserve muscle
mass and function in chemotherapy cancer patients and to contribute
to a reduced inflammatory response resulting from the treatment’s toxicity.
CANCER FOODS AND SUPPLEMETS BY DR AXE
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